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Hospitaller

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The Position

The Parish of Great St Bartholomew and Barts Health NHS Trust wish to appoint a

stipendiary priest as Hospitaller, a new position at both the Parish and the Hospital,

serving both institutions and maintaining and developing the close partnership between

them. The priest will be based in the parish office, under the direction of the Rector, and

focus their activities in the hospital, which is the significant part of the parish.

Context

The Parish

In 1123, Rahere, Henry I’s Court Jester founded two institutions which are still here 900

years later: a Priory Church and a Hospital. St Bartholomew’s Hospital is Britain’s oldest

hospital – and has been free to use from the very

beginning. St Bartholomew the Great is London’s oldest

church, having survived fire and bomb to minister to the

people of London in the twenty-first century.

The parish has witnessed great moments in history: the

execution of William Wallace, the Peasants’ Revolt, and

the burning of Tudor Protestant and Catholic martyrs all

took place outside its gate in Smithfield. The annual St

Bartholomew’s Fair was celebrated in Cloth Fair until

being banned in 1855 as a "school of vice which has

initiated more youth into the habits of villainy

than Newgate [prison] itself." The artist William Hogarth

was baptised in the Great while Inigo Jones, who lived in

the Parish, was baptised in St Bartholomew the Less in

1573; the poet John Betjeman was a parishioner, and the

church features in a number of poems written when he

lived across the road; the great American polymath Benjamin Franklin worked in the

printers’ workshop which had taken over the east end of the church during the 18th

century.

The Hospital Church of St Bartholomew the Less (‘the Less’) is the second church of the

parish. Also founded in 1123 it is the only parish church to be situated physically within

a hospital and serves the hospital’s patients, staff, and relatives as well as the people of

the parish, in particular families with young children.

The Less was one of five mediæval chapels for the brethren of the Hospital. The

original church had been much larger than now and had extended over the area of the

recently created Princess Alice Garden. It had become badly damaged by 1789 and was

reconstructed by George Dance the Younger who had been the Hospital Surveyor. He

proposed a radical change in design: an octagon within the mediæval nave, which led to

the clearing of the interior of the church including many of the monuments. However

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the timber rotted and it had to be rebuilt in 1825 by Philip Hardwick, also the Hospital

surveyor, whose grandson restored the church in 1865 and donated the marble

pulpit. Memorials which remain include those of Lady Anne Bodley and Robert

Balthrope, a surgeon to Queen Elizabeth I. There are brasses dating from 1439.

When Barts Hospital was granted to the City in 1546, it

had been agreed that the precincts of the Hospital

should constitute a parish with St Bartholomew the

Less as its parish church. This concept was, and

remains, unique in England. The Letters Patent stated

that there should be appointed a Hospitaller, a Vicar, a

Parish Clerk, a Sexton and a Visitor to Newgate

Prison, but the posts of Hospitaller and Vicar were

combined from 1671. The role of the Hospitaller had

been to receive the food bought by the Steward, give it

to the cook and then be present to see that every

patient received the right quantity, whilst the Vicar

looked after the parishioners.

There are glowing opportunities for the Parish in the

next few years which come from many quarters: the completion of the Crossrail station

at Farringdon will bring 40% of the UK’s population within a 45 min journey time from

the churches, thousands of new commuters, major local redevelopments including new

housing and a new home for the Museum of London in the old Smithfield market will

bring many visitors, and more people will work and live within the Parish.

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Liturgy and Ministry

The two churches of the parish have different liturgical styles and the candidate must be

able to engage fully in both.

Services in the Less are in contemporary language, following the norms and structure of

Common Worship. The main service in the Less is a 10:00 Family Service on Sunday.

There are 19 on the Children’s Electoral Roll, most of whom have either been admitted

to Holy Communion or have been Confirmed, who turn up regularly, if not weekly. The

post presents a wonderful opportunity to develop a distinctive children’s

ministry in this small part of London. The service is designed around the interests

and needs of the children who take part in regular consultations. This was what three of

the regular children said when asked for their opinions on the service for a recent

parish brochure:

Lexi says: ‘I like the fact that it has become so interactive, and we get good hymns, and to help set up Communion. I think it is important that all the children have something to do in the service’. Tay thinks: ‘What I like is being involved. I did the hymn numbers on Sunday, and lit the candles, and sometimes get to take the collection. It feels like the service is for us children, and not aimed at the adults and playing slow long hymns. This is really important because I find it much easier to remember the sermon/service afterwards when I have been involved in it’. And Breck has this to add: ‘I like the sermons where all the children get involved and do something, that leads into learning about Jesus. Two weeks ago I was blindfolded and guided round the church which was fun! (Parents: and he was talking about it for the rest of the day!). I also like ringing the bells whenever I can, helping set up Communion, and doing readings, which I have just started to do and would definitely like to do more of.’

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Currently the only other service in the Less is a 12:30 Eucharist on a Tuesday for

patients and staff at the hospital, which follows Common Worship and is attended by an

average of four. One of the key roles of the Hospitaller will be to consider ways of

expanding the parish’s liturgical and pastoral reach into the hospital.

The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great is

steeped in the Anglo Catholic tradition. The language

of all of its services is Cranmerian and the Authorized

Version of the Bible is used. On Sundays there is an

early morning Communion, an east-facing High Mass,

and a Choral Evensong (with Benediction once a

month). The Book of Common Prayer and the

traditional language resources of Common Worship

are used.

This is a great opportunity for someone who will

revel in traditional language and liturgy as he or

she will be on a rota for all of these services. The

church has an excellent reputation for preaching

which will be a key consideration when making the

appointment.

The Church also has a vibrant and active wedding ministry (26 weddings have taken

place or are booked for 2019) of which the Hospitaller will be expected to take a fair

share. The past year has seen a healthy number of catechumen and confirmands with

twenty adult candidates being prepared and presented, and frequent infant baptisms

taking place on Sunday after the main service.

There is a growing catechetical side to the parish, with art courses and Greek classes

being laid on this year. We are hoping to develop this ministry considerably over the

next few years, especially focusing on recent university graduates. The ability to

engage credibly and intelligently with highly intelligent adults, both formally and

informally, is one of the most exciting parts of this position. Similarly, being able to

engage online, through our active social media accounts, is hugely important.

The special services in Holy Week Easter and Christmas have very different attendance

profiles. Easter Day is typically attended by anything up to 300 people across the day.

Midnight Mass and Christmas morning are up to 600 across the available services.

As well as the primary ministry to the Hospital, the Hospitaller will have the

opportunity to develop a ministry among the many livery companies who use St

Bartholomew the Great as their livery church.

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The Hospital

Barts Health NHS Trust is one of Britain’s leading healthcare providers and the largest

trust in the NHS. It was created on 1 April 2012 by bringing together three trusts: Barts

and The London NHS Trust, Newham University Hospital NHS Trust and Whipps Cross

University Hospital NHS Trust. The new trust has a turnover of approximately £1.1

billion and approximately 15,000 employees.

Together our hospitals - Newham University Hospital in Plaistow, St Bartholomew’s

(Barts) in the City, The Royal London in Whitechapel, Whipps Cross in Leytonstone -

deliver high quality clinical care to the people of east London and further afield.

Barts Health provides a full portfolio of services that serve the needs of the local

community, while Barts Hospital itself is home to some of Britain’s leading specialist

cancer and cardiac centres.

Our vision is to create a world-class health organisation that builds on strong relations

with our partners and the communities we serve – one dedicated to ending the historic

health inequalities in east London. We will build an international reputation for

excellence in patient care, research and education. And as members of UCLPartners, the

largest academic health sciences system in the world, we will ensure that our patients

are some of the first in the country to benefit from the latest drugs and treatments.

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Job description

Remuneration

• The position will be full time

• The position will be stipendiary under Regulation 29 of the Clergy Terms of

Service. This is a time limited post for three years. Extension may be possible,

subject to funding.

• There is a genuine occupational need for the Hospitaller to live within easy reach

of the parish. A budget is available to support the provision of housing within a

short distance of the hospital and parish.

• Time spent “on call” will be remunerated at the appropriate NHS level, which will

add significantly to the annual take-home pay.

• The position will initially be for three years, pending renewed funding.

Ministry at St Bartholomew the Less

• In conjunction with the Rector, to take any services at the Less.

• To be willing to be a part of an increased rhythm of services at the Less.

• To work with the children of the Parish to develop their faith and worship,

especially as the current crop move from childhood to adolescence.

• To be a pastor to the congregation which attends the Less, and a counsellor for

those who make use of the Less while at the hospital.

Ministry in the wider Parish of Great St Bartholomew

• To be on the ministry team of the parish and share in the offering of worship at

the Great.

• To assist in the pastoral care of the congregation at both churches.

• To engage an intellectually stimulating congregation intelligently.

• To assist in the ministry to the City of London and the livery companies involved

in the life of the parish.

• To be actively and innovatively involved in the use of social media.

Ministry in Barts Hospital

• To join the Chaplain Bank at Barts Trust and be willing to be on call for two

nights and one weekend a month.

• To discern, assess and provide for the spiritual and religious needs of patients,

their visitors, staff and students. This will include ministering the sacraments as

appropriate and making appropriate referrals to other team members.

• To visit patients, their relatives and staff in wards and departments regularly and

when requested, to minister appropriately to the seriously ill or dying and those

who have been bereaved.

• To co-operate with other members of the chaplaincy team to provide regular and

appropriate services of public worship.

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• To provide 24/7 ‘on-call’ cover for Christian patients’ religious and spiritual

needs, in collaboration with the team and parish.

• To be available to members of staff throughout the Trust who wish to receive

confidential counsel or support.

• To conduct Trust contract funerals (adults and babies) as required and take part

in such memorial services and other corporate or public events as the Trust

requires.

• To be a highly-skilled communicator.

• To be able to establish and maintain relationships, sometimes in pastorally

challenging, unpleasant and hostile environments.

• To be able to negotiate and work within and assess highly complex and sensitive

situations and to provide such spiritual advice and care as deemed necessary.

• To be able to train others within this area of work, particularly with regards to

bereavement, cultural, spiritual and ethical issues.

• To be able to make independent, specialised judgements regarding spiritual care,

depending upon the particular situation.

• To be able to adapt to unpredictable and/or unpleasant working conditions

when required and to respond, or try to arrange response, to all emergencies

notified to the department.

• To be able to offer such training to the Trust as required for their own particular

faith community and to offer specialised training in spiritual, ethical, cultural and

multi-faith issues.

• To share in the selection, training and supervision of chaplaincy volunteers and

honorary chaplains.

• To have a specialised knowledge of own faith community religious traditions and

to be willing to learn about other faith traditions and religions and spiritual,

cultural and ethical issues relating to healthcare.

• To be aware of, and sensitive to, the varying religious and spiritual needs of

people in a multi-cultural setting and to assist staff in responding to these needs.

• Whenever possible to co-operate with medical, nursing and other staff in

departmental meetings and other meetings as appropriate.

• To be available for consultation with faith group leaders concerning the pastoral

care of members of their communities who are in hospital, whilst not breaching

the rules of confidentiality by which all NHS employees are bound.

• To maintain the quality of service required through fulfilling the agreed quality

standards.

• To contribute to the professional development of the chaplaincy team and in

consultation with your line manager to ensure appropriate personal in-service

training and development.

• To observe the regulations concerning Health & Safety and any other Trust

policies and procedures.

The job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be

altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation

with the postholder.

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Skills and experience

Qualifications and knowledge

• Ordained as a Priest in the Church of England for at least two years

• To have degree level ordination training

• To have a good degree from a well-regarded university

• To be an excellent preacher

• To be immersed in the Scriptures and ready to lead intelligent people in Bible

study

Experience

• To have some experience of counselling or offering pastoral/religious support

• Have experience with ministry to children and young people

• To have served a curacy

Skills

• The ability to form good relationships quickly and foster trust and confidence

with staff, patients and their relatives

• Willing to work in a multi-faith and diverse context

• To be willing to understand the views of those from whom you differ

• To be able to work well as part of a team

• To be able to work under pressure

• To be self-motivated and able to work on own initiative

• Excellent computer skills

Communication

• Ability to communicate with staff, patients and others in difficult and sensitive

situations

• An ability to express ideas clearly and effectively in speech and writing

• Proven interesting use of social media either professionally or personally

Specific requirements

• To be available for the on-call rota to provide emergency spiritual and pastoral

care

• Liturgical competence in the Anglo-Catholic tradition

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Key working relationships

The Parish

The post-holder will be a full member of the clergy team at the Parish of Great St

Bartholomew, sharing responsibility for the Less with the Rector, to whom he or she

will report. Key relationships include the Churchwardens, members of the PCC,

parishioners, and the Livery Companies associated with the Parish.

The Hospital

Although based exclusively at Barts Hospital, the post-holder is expected to work within

a multi-faith chaplaincy team based across the Trust and to establish and maintain

positive interpersonal relationships with other staff members characterised by trust,

mutual respect and open and honest communication.

Internal Relationships at the Hospital

• Patients

• Nursing Staff

• Trust Chaplaincy Team

• Multidisciplinary Teams

• Matrons

• Clinical Staff

• Nursing Directorate Team

• Practice Development Team

• Bereavement Officers

• Mortuary Staff

• Volunteers

External Relationships to the Hospital

• College of Healthcare Chaplains (members only)

• UK Board of Health Care Chaplaincy

• Local Religious / Faith Bodies

• Local community groups

• Funeral Directors

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Appendix: Barts NHS Trust values

Barts Health value based leadership

Our leaders ensure a focus on health where patients are at the centre of all we do. They

work to create a culture where innovation is promoted and encouraged. They lead by

example and demonstrate value based decision making as being integral to the ways of

working within the Trust.

Barts Health leaders are role models who demonstrate those attitudes and behaviours

which will make us unique. Our leaders are passionate about delivering high quality

patient care, take pride in the work that they do and are committed to the delivering the

Barts Health NHS Trust 10 pledges of:

1. Patients will be at the heart of all we do.

2. We will provide consistently high quality health care.

3. We will continuously improve patient safety standards.

4. We will sustain and develop excellence in research, development and innovation.

5. We will sustain and develop excellence in education and training.

6. We will promote human rights and equalities.

7. We will work with health partners to improve health and reduce health

inequalities.

8. We will work with social care partners to provide care for those who are most

vulnerable.

9. We will make the best use of public resources.

10. We will provide and support the leadership to achieve these pledges.

Our leaders are visible leaders who believe in spending time listening and talking our

staff, patients and partners about the things that are important to them and the changes

they would like to make to continuously improve patient care.

Barts Health leaders work with their teams to develop organisational values, embed

them in our ways of working and create the cultural changes required to ensure that we

consistently provide an excellent patient experience, regardless of the point of delivery,

in an environment where people want to work, regardless of where they work or what

they do.

Health and safety at work

The postholder has a duty of care and personal obligation to act to reduce healthcare-

associated infections (HCAIs). They must attend mandatory training in infection

prevention and control (IP&C) and be compliant with all measures required by the trust

to reduce HCAIs. All postholders must comply with trust infection screening and

immunisation policies as well as be familiar with the trust's IP&C policies, including

those that apply to their duties, such as hand decontamination, personal protective

equipment, aseptic techniques and safe disposal of sharps.

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All staff must challenge noncompliance with infection, prevention and control policies

immediately and feedback through the appropriate line managers if required.

Safeguarding adults and children

Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them to maintain the

wellbeing and protection of vulnerable children and adults. If employees have reason

for concern that a patient is 'at risk' they should escalate this to an appropriate person

i.e. line manager, safeguarding children's lead, matron, ward sister/change nurse, site

manager, consultant. (October 2002). www.nmc-uk.org/

Conflict of interest

The trust is responsible for ensuring that the service provided for patients in its care

meets the highest standard. Equally it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse

their official position for personal gain or to benefit their family or friends. The trust’s

standing orders require any officer to declare any interest, direct or indirect with

contracts involving the trust. Staff are not allowed to further their private interests in

the course of their NHS duties.

Confidentiality and data protection

All employees are expected to comply with all trust policies and procedures related to

confidentiality and data protection and to work in accordance of the Data Protection Act

1998. For those posts where there is management or supervision of other staff it is the

responsibility of that employee to ensure that their staff receive appropriate training

(e.g. HISS induction, organising refresher sessions for staff when necessary).

Equality and diversity

The trust values equality and diversity in employment and in the services we provide. It

is committed to promoting equality and diversity in employment and will keep under

review our policies and procedures to ensure that the job related needs of all staff

working in the Trust are recognised. The Trust will aim to ensure that all job applicants,

employees or clients are treated fairly and valued equally regardless of sex, marital

status, domestic circumstances, age, race, colour, disablement, ethnic or national origin,

social background or employment status, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, HIV status,

gender reassignment, political affiliation or trade union membership. Selection for

training and development and promotion will be on the basis of the individual’s ability

to meet the requirements for the job.

You are responsible for ensuring that the trust’s policies, procedures and obligation in

respect of promoting equality and diversity are adhered to in relation to both staff and

services.